Trojans and Braves in Fierce Showdown; Pembroke Emerges to Victory

Pembroke, NC – The Trojans faced off against the Braves of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke on February 5, 2025, at 6 PM in an away game. The matchup was a defensive battle from start to finish, with both teams displaying determination. Ultimately, the Trojans fell short, losing the game 62-78.
 
The game at UNC Pembroke gained momentum quickly, with the Braves aiming to establish their dominance by scoring the first points. The competition remained intense, as both teams exchanged baskets and created turnovers. The Braves took a 9-4 lead midway through the first half, but the Trojans responded with crucial plays, particularly from Kendall Bynum and Jayson Harris, keeping the game close. Virginia State's aggressive defense and timely scoring, especially from Bynum, provided them with a slight edge. By the end of the first half, the score was 32-29 in favor of the Trojans.
 
The second half began with Virginia State asserting themselves, as Jayson Harris made two free throws to extend their lead to 34-29. In response, UNC Pembroke narrowed the gap to 34-31 with a layup from Steven Lassiter. The teams exchanged baskets, with Virginia State's Davian Coleman and UNC Pembroke's Dallas Gardner delivering key shots. At one point, Virginia State's lead was slim, at just 38-37.
However, UNC Pembroke's Josh Berenbaum and JaJuan Carr made crucial plays, highlighted by a three-pointer from Gardner that gave them a 41-40 lead. The game remained fiercely competitive, with both teams executing significant plays. Kendall Bynum from Virginia State and Steven Lassiter from UNC Pembroke were instrumental in keeping the score tight. Despite Virginia State's efforts, including a three-pointer from Jaedan Jefferson, UNC Pembroke managed to hold onto their lead. The game concluded with UNC Pembroke winning decisively, 78-62.

The Trojans will play the Lions at Lincoln University on February 08, 2025, at 4 pm at VSU Multipurpose Center.